The Ijaw Youth Council and Ijaw National Congress warn against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, threatening to shut down oil production if such actions occur. They argue that the recent ultimatum from the House of Assembly is a move to destabilize governance. They also request federal intervention to maintain stability in the Niger Delta amid upcoming elections.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) have voiced significant apprehension regarding the political unrest in Rivers State, indicating that should Governor Siminalayi Fubara face impeachment, they may initiate a shutdown of oil production in the Niger Delta. They perceive the House of Assembly’s ultimatum, compelling Fubara to present the 2025 budget, as a strategic move to destabilize the state leading to potential impeachment, which is set to conclude on March 5, 2025.
In a statement from IYC Chairman, Prince Datolu Sukubo, and Secretary, Tamunokuro Dango, the organizations urged intervention from President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to prevent further conflict. They emphasized that any disruption in governance would adversely impact oil production and national energy security, highlighting the essential role Rivers State plays in the economy.
The IYC stated, “If Rivers State is starved of its economic rights because of one who wants to monopolize the state’s economy, we will also starve the economy of Nigeria.” Concurrently, the INC expressed staunch opposition to impeachment efforts, asserting that such actions would result in significant instability within the Niger Delta region, reaffirming their commitment to defend the governor against political threats.
Additionally, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, criticized the recent Supreme Court ruling, attributing its oversight to the Ijaw people’s contributions to governance in Rivers State. In related news, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting on March 5, 2025, at its headquarters in Port Harcourt to discuss preparations for the 2025 Local Council Elections, involving prominent community leaders and various organizations.
The statements from the Ijaw Youth Council and Ijaw National Congress underscore the potential ramifications of the political conflict in Rivers State. The threat to halt oil operations if Governor Fubara is impeached highlights the intertwined relationship between governance and economic stability in the Niger Delta. Urgent intervention from federal authorities appears necessary to avert further unrest as the region prepares for critical elections.
Original Source: www.tv360nigeria.com
